Irina Beloozerova

One of the primary goals of neuroscience is to understand how cells of the nervous system interact to produce global behavioral capabilities. Any behavior is ultimately displayed as some sort of movement: a smile, talk, laugh, hand-shake, dance, run, gesture, etc. Research in our laboratory focuses on neuronal mechanisms that underlay complex whole-body movements occurring in everyday life situations. We focus on the electrical activity of neurons, because these cells communicate between each other to form motor commands and to activate muscles to produce movements by means of electrical signals. Many neurological diseases lead to impairment of movement. Understanding how whole-body movements are produced by the activity of brain neuronal networks is needed to elevate motor deficits in neurological disorder and stroke patients. Two main projects are underway in the laboratory: forebrain control of locomotion and supraspinal control of posture.